A major supplier of eco-friendly construction materials is planning to create a distribution hub at Stowmarket.

Planning permission is being sought to build a 44,000sq ft warehouse at Gateway 14 for the business - which is as yet unnamed.

Property developer Jaynic will be delivering the freehold unit and - assuming the scheme gets from green light from planners - work is expected to start in early summer.

Jaynic is the developer partner for Gateway 14 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Mid Suffolk District Council. 

The site has Freeport status - meaning various tax benefits - which made it "the perfect base" for the company, explained Jaynic.

Gateway 14 is already home to a new 1.17m sq ft distribution hub for garden and leisure retailer The Range, which is due to become operational later this year.

Mid Suffolk recently approved a business case for a new £18m Skills and Innovation Centre on site to help address the local skills gap and seize opportunities around growing sectors such as digital/AI technology and the green economy.

Gateway 14 Ltd chairman Sir Christopher Haworth said they were delighted that more companies are looking at relocating to Gateway 14. 

"Together with the Range distribution hub and plans progressing for the new skills and innovation centre, people can see how Gateway 14 is taking shape and start to understand its significance for the region,” he said.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for housing and property, Councillor Richard Winch said: “The green economy is an emerging market that we are keen to encourage in Mid Suffolk, and as part of our aspirations for Gateway 14. 

"Pending planning permission, we are delighted to welcome a leader in the sustainable construction sector to the site.”

Jaynic’s development director Ben Oughton said they were making "strong headway" at the site, and potential occupiers saw the benefits of its freeport status and proximity to Junction 50 of the A14 providing direct trunk road access into the UK motorway system.

Key priorities for the whole site have been biodiversity, sustainability and accessibility.

Agents for the project are Savills and Avison Young.